More on Stress and the 70+ Body

By Oliver Broudy

“Natural ways to tamp down the stress effect”

Stress Defined : To perceive that a task has overwhelmed your ability to complete that task, says Daniel Kirsch, president of the American Institute of Stress.

Below are some of Kirsch’s best tips:

•  ASK FOR HELP

 Accept that you need help

• TAKE A STRESS BREAK

Unplug your brain

EXAMPLE

When you sit down to breakfast, just concentrate on enjoying your breakfast, don’t plan your whole day

• USE QUIET RELAXING

*Smile inwardly – it tells your body that all is well

*Inhale one deep breath and imagine hot air is coming up through the bottom of your feet, through your body and filling your lungs

*Exhale slowly and image the hot air going from your lungs back through your body and out the bottom of your feet 

• WALK

Motion is a great stress releaser

Helps break any stress cycle you may be locked into

Options:

  Walk outside

  Walk on a treadmill

  Walk a few laps around the inside of your house

• VOLUNTEER

Taking time to help others is a great stress reliever

Feeling the satisfaction of helping others combined with social interaction reduces the feeling of loneliness

• MAKE YOUR BED

Kirsch says this is great stress management advise

“The first thing you should do each day is make your bed. It gives you a sense of control from the start.”   – Stephen Perrine –